Celtic’s Anthony Stokes is reportedly a target for a number of Premier League sides, after falling out of favour under new manager Ronny Deila.

According to Goal.com, the likes of former club Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United are all interested in the striker, who signed a new long-term contract with the club under ex-boss Neil Lennon last October, but does not feature Deila’s long-term plans.

Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, Fulham and Derby County are also said to be among the teams assessing Stokes's situation, with the 26-year-old understood to be far from pleased about the prospect of a less-prominent role this season.

Beginning his professional career with Arsenal, the Republic of Ireland striker first established himself in Scotland during a loan spell in 2006 with Falkirk, where he netted 16 times in 18 games to earn a £2 million transfer to Sunderland during the winter transfer window.

However, after failing to hold down a first-team place on Wearside, the Dublin-native would move on to Hibernian in August 2009, scoring 23 goals in 43 appearances during his lone season with the Edinburgh club, before making the switch to the Scottish Premiership champions prior to the 2010-11 campaign.

Boasting an impressive record of 68 strikes in 154 games, Stokes has made himself a fan favourite during his four seasons at Celtic, and his 21 goals in 2013-14 are sure to have a number of clubs interested in his services if he does indeed opt to return to English football.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.